We desperately could use some allies that had proven to be both dependable and durable. I didn’t see the first requirement becoming more than daydream for Basin’s own—they hadn’t won many brownie points with a history of deception still snapping at heels. Whatever game was being played, I’d rather be left out of it and collect a reward that included keeping my head. Determined feathers eagerly ate up the distance between myself and sands I’d not touched in nearly two seasons. Two very long, drawn out seasons. A late noon sun burned brightly across my spine, his painful touch a welcome one that had been absent from flesh for many months.

The scenery had changed of course, volcanic ash and devil grass gave way to a narrowed length of land. Throat’s sand had fallen beneath salt—our wall, nay their wall, was skeletal remains at best. Wings slipped halfway toward barrel and frame was sent downward across the warm torrents that had so embraced their child, only slowing with a quick spread and thump when ground climbed to meet my approach to rapid for comfort. Sun baked granules climbed heavenward in all directions, creating a mini storm that swirled around patched limbs. It rose to greet the lost king with an unnatural affection born from power.

I stood by, breathing heavily the salty air that had been filling these lungs since the day I fell from my Ma’s womb. Daggers remained just behind the border, I didn’t dare cross into their land, into the haven of my beloved family that had been traded for a vow and forked tongues—reptiles that only seemed to grow greedier and hungrier by the passing of days. Never mind that there were those in Hidden Falls that had earned my affection, Wilibald, Hawkeye, countless others.

Dragon soldiers had likely seen me and would be arriving shortly; I gazed the length of their border with masked sadness. It was hard to not think about all the nights and days of patrolling in my youth. How many miles I traveled to and fro in these skies unmarred by greenery. A paradise for Pegasus. I thought about Cera and Ranjiri, and if they would be among those to greet my arrival—if it was to be greeted… There was a chance that these folk could and would refuse this approach, shut the door on snout and leave sore remark.